In Sandra's Shoes

When my surgeon told me during the follow-up visit in January that I was a breast cancer survivor, I nodded and said, yes, you are right.

I understood what she was saying intellectually but I didn't really feel like a survivor. At that point, I was still facing radiation therapy and didn't quite know how it would go. I asked myself a lot of "what ifs."

With radiation therapy behind me and knowing all the cancer was removed during the lumpectomy, I do feel like a breast cancer survivor And I am thrilled to be getting on with life.

But I did hold my breath this mornig waiting to hear the news about the wife of Sen. John Edwards, who is seeking the presidential nomination on the democratic ticket. I was hoping there was not a recurrence for her. Sadly, there is. But she has a fighting spirit that will carry her through.

And she is inspiring to all who are breast cancer survivors. I know the fear of recurrence will always be in the back of my mind but I know I will also continue to fight.